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The only aspect I do not fancy is the fact that there is still too much sweet music that lack content out there. We might not be getting a lot of evergreen songs from anyone anymore’ – Ruggedman

Judging by the rate at which his latest single titled ‘Seyi Shay’ featuring Olamide (the beast from YBNL) continues to attract airplay across the country, it will be easy to say Ruggedman has returned to the big stage. This is long overdue for Ruggedman, the veteran rapper who was an integral element to the success of Rap music in Nigeria. Here is our conversation with him.

If I am not mistaken, you did almost 50% singing and rapping in your latest single ‘Seyi Shay’. Tell us more about this new Ruggedman.‎ The singing was quite good as well.

It’s a Ruggedman that is in tune with what’s trending. Music is always
changing and I have been able to adapt. I said it in Baraje that ”I blend
with the trend, stay forever like culture” and since you even added that
the singing was good I guess I seem to be doing it quite well. Download it
from cloud9musicng, Spinlet and mtnmusicplus. It’s not a new Ruggedman. In my last album, Untouchable I actually sang on two tracks there you go… lol!

 As one of the rappers that drew the blue print for Rap music in
Nigeria, how can you describe the industry today?

 

The industry today is evolving. The beats, the tunes and styles keep
changing with time and with what’s trending outside Nigeria. The influx of companies endorsing artists has also brought more money into the game.
The only aspect I do not fancy is the fact that there is still too much sweet music that lack content out there. We might not be getting a lot of evergreen songs from anyone anymore.

 

The issue of you and 9ice resurfaced in the news again; tell us about the press release you put out in the media.

It resurfaced because he finally came forward after six years to clear
up the mess. He finally said it himself that it wasn’t Ruggedman or Toni
Payne that he talked about in his song that started the whole drama.
I remembered when I said this back then and some chose not to believe me. When I saw his statement and his apology to me, I just thought a response wouldn’t be out of place. Especially since it gives me the chance to ask all the people who peddled the terrible negative rumor, why they were not peddling the truth and apology with the same ferocity?
At least I said I wasn’t guilty then and now they know. Even though it’s sad he waited so long to clear it up.

 

If you could turn back the hands of time, as an artiste what will you like to adjust about yourself and the entertainment industry?

I wouldn’t adjust anything about myself, but the industry? I would make
sure artists got paid royalties for the use of their materials.

Kindly describe all you have been a part of in the last one year till
date.

I officially kicked off sales of my Twentieth September Wears clothing
line on major online stores in Nigeria and its doing great.
Major A list artistes endorsed and modeled shirts from my line.
I had two fashion parties to promote the clothes and they have been
successful and I intend to start again this 2016.
I did a series of charity events for sickle cell and to keep 500 streets in
school.
Did a tour of China.
I still found time to hit the studio with the likes of Olamide, Solidstar, Oritse Femi and more.

 

Who are the Nigeria artistes you are feeling right now.

2Face, Olamide, Tekno, Ice Prince, Lil Kesh, Mr 2Kay, Asa, and MI.

 

 What should we be expecting from Ruggedman’s brand this year?

Expect more hot songs, great new designs from Twentieth September Wears and a Ruggedman album

(Culled from Mystreetz Magazine)